Dietitian (Clinical) - HBPC

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Kernersville (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dietitian (Clinical) in the Department of Veterans Affairs provides Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) services with collateral outpatient duties. The role emphasizes independent planning, evidence-based nutrition care, and collaboration with primary care teams to support veteran health outcomes.

Required is an active RDN/RD credential with CDR registration; one year of RDN experience at the next lower grade is expected for GS-11.

Qualifications

• Must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) and registered with the CDR.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
• Apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines and interpret research to improve outcomes.
• Develop patient-centered goals and collaborate with stakeholders to improve care quality.
• Ensure documentation is accurate and complies with accrediting standards.

Skills

NCP care

Evidence-based practice

Patient-centered goals

Performance improvement data

Stakeholder collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

RDN or RD credential

Job description

The incumbent functions independently for all professional and technical aspects of clinical nutrition. They are responsible for planning and organizing their own work. Employees in this assignment serve as a full performance Dietitian (Clinical) providing Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) with collateral assignments to primary care/outpatient - within the Clinical Section of NFS serving as the medical nutrition expert. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) - Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA)

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

GS-11: Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• (a) Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
• (b) Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
• (c) Skill in developing patient-centered goals.(d) Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
• (e) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
• (f) Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.

Assignment

Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position. Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation), assuring high-quality nutrition care. They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient- centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping, autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care. They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS, lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders. Clinical Dietitians frequently collaborate with the food service section and leadership staff to enhance the Veteran's dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Service Section.

Preferred Experience

Previous Home Care or Primary Care experience preferred.

Reference

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements

Dietitian (Clinical) providing HBPC must possess a current, valid, and unrestricted drivers license in order to operate a government owned vehicle. A pre-placement physical examination is required.